Michaele Behenna: Cameroon's goalkeeper impresses in...

According toBBC.

Background

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaeli Behina has become the star of the tournament after her exceptional performance at WATFCON 2026. Her penalty saves and record saves cement her status as one of the leading players in women's football.

Why is this important?

Michaele Behenna's brilliance at WATFCON 2026 reflects the evolution of women's football in Cameroon, as she contributed significantly to the Untamed Lions' qualification to the final. Her amazing performance, especially in decisive saves, makes her a symbol of hope in achieving the continental title after three previous failed attempts.

Key points

• Michaele Behenna: Cameroon's goalkeeper impresses in...
• Michaele Behina produced an impressive performance at WATFCON 2026, helping Cameroon reach the final and secure a place in the 2027 World Cup.
• Michaely Bihina: The Cameroon goalkeeper making waves at Wafcon 2026 - BBC Sport.

Michaele Behenna's name has become the talk of the hour in Cameroon after her brilliance at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WATFCON). Some citizens in this African country are calling for the erection of a statue in her honor after her amazing performance that helped the “Untamed Lions” team qualify for the final for the first time since 2016. The young goalkeeper was the star of the tournament, as she performed wonderfully against Nigeria in the quarter-finals, and also excelled against Morocco in the semi-finals.

Behina expressed her great happiness after the match, saying: “I am very happy and full of emotions, because this is the first time for our generation to reach the final.” She saved four penalty kicks, one in extra time and three in the penalty shootout, during her team's victory over Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Behina, 22, is one of the tournament's standout stars, making nine saves against Nigeria, setting a record for the most saves in a single match at the finals, while her victory over the previous edition's champions also secured her place at the 2027 Women's World Cup. Speaking to Confederation of African Football, she described the qualifying day as "a great day for Cameroonian football", adding: "Playing in my first Watifcon and beating Nigeria and qualifying." "The World Cup is a historic achievement."

Cameroon will now play Malawi in the final next Sunday. Cameroon had lost in three previous finals, all to Nigeria (2004, 2014, and 2016), but they now have a new opportunity to win the continental title. Behenna has achieved three clean sheets in five matches, reflecting her strength in defending her team's goal.

In the semi-final, which witnessed great tension, there were no clear chances for both teams until a penalty kick was awarded to Morocco after defender Meriem Nadjou blocked Sakina Ouzraoui’s face with her hand. Fatima Taqnaout stepped forward to take the penalty kick in the 118th minute, but Behenna blocked it brilliantly.

“When I saved the first penalty kick, I told myself that if we go to a penalty shootout, I will do my best,” she added. “I had to save at least three penalty kicks.” She fulfilled her promise as she blocked kicks from Kenza Chapelle, Meriem Atik, and Ouzaraoui, ending the match with a 3-1 victory for Cameroon.

Behina is now considered a strong favorite to be named Player of the Tournament, alongside my Chawinga sisters from Malawi. Behina was born in Ekono, in the Nkoldungo district of the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde, on December 28, 2003. She started her career as a striker, but her coach advised her to switch to the goalkeeper position due to her height.

She moved to Racing Power in Portugal at the age of 15 and helped the team win the Serie B title in 2022-23. The following season, she was named the Premier League's best goalkeeper. In February, she joined Benfica on a three-year contract, describing her move as a "dream come true". Now, she hopes to inspire her country to glory at the next World Cup in Brazil.

“It has been a long journey of hard work and discipline for me,” Behenna said. “I continued to work with humility and strive to improve myself every day.” In the final, Behina will face a final challenge against Malawi and its Chawinga sisters, as Cameroon look to put the painful memories of the finals behind them.

What's next?

Cameroon will face Malawi in the final next Sunday, as the team seeks its first title in the tournament. If they win, Behenna and her teammates will have a historic place in Cameroonian women's football.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with Michaele Behenna in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations?

Michaele Behenna starred in the tournament and helped Cameroon qualify to the final for the first time since 2016.

Who confirmed Michaeli Behina's brilliance in the tournament?

Michaele Behenna herself expressed her great happiness after the match, describing the day of qualification as "a great day for Cameroonian football".

Why is there now talk of erecting a statue in honor of Michaeli Behina?

There is talk of erecting a statue in her honor because of her amazing performance that helped Cameroon qualify to the final.

What changes did Michaele Behina make in the tournament?

Michaele Behina set a record for the most saves in a single match at the finals, saving four penalty kicks during the tournament.

When will Cameroon play Malawi in the final?

Cameroon will play Malawi in the final next Sunday.

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